Lead by Authenticity: The Key to Thriving Teams
Authentic leadership is more than just a buzzword—it’s a powerful force that drives engagement, innovation, and a culture of trust. When leaders show up as their true selves, they create an environment where others feel safe to do the same. This fosters stronger teams, deeper connections, and ultimately, better business outcomes.
Interestingly, I recently came across an article titled Authenticity At Work by BetterUp, which highlights the profound impact of inclusive leadership coupled with authenticity. The numbers speak for themselves:
✔ 140% increase in employee engagement
✔ 50% boost in team performance
✔ 90% rise in team innovation
✔ 54% decrease in turnover
✔ 150% increase in belonging
✔ Strengthening personal brands
✔ Igniting purpose-driven lives
Even if these numbers were lower, I have no doubt that authenticity positively impacts individuals and teams. When people feel genuinely included and valued, they bring their best selves to work, unlocking creativity, motivation, and collaboration.
How Can We Embody Authentic Leadership?
Authenticity in leadership isn’t just about being yourself—it’s about leading with intention, fostering trust, and creating an environment where others feel safe to do the same. Below are five key ways leaders can practice authenticity:
1. Engage in Inner Work
Authentic leadership starts from within. Understanding your values, motivations, and strengths is essential to leading with authenticity. Inner Work looks different for everyone—it could be journaling, meditation, or engaging in activities that bring clarity and peace.
For me, spending time outdoors plays a huge role in my self-reflection. I find balance through running scenic trails, sailing across open waters, cultivating gardens, capturing moments through photography (Yes, believe it or not, all the pictures in my LinkedIn and Blog posts are taken by me, not AI! 😊), and practicing yoga.
What activities help you reconnect with yourself? Find what works for you and make space for it.
2. Model Inclusive Leadership
An authentic leader fosters a culture of belonging and inclusivity. This means building strong relationships, recognizing team contributions, showing empathy, and ensuring that all voices are heard. When leaders create an inclusive environment, employees feel more engaged, valued, and motivated to contribute.
3. Establish Psychological Safety
Authenticity thrives when people feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment. Leaders must actively create trust-based environments where employees can speak up, take risks, and share ideas freely. Simple actions—like being approachable, encouraging open dialogue, and supporting personal growth—go a long way in building psychological safety.
4. Seek Feedback
Leaders don’t have all the answers. That’s why listening to and acting on feedback is critical. Regular check-ins, one-on-one meetings, and performance reviews create opportunities for employees to share their thoughts and feel heard. The real magic happens when leaders not only gather feedback but take meaningful action to improve based on it.
5. Embrace Vulnerability
Many people associate leadership with strength and certainty. But real strength comes from embracing vulnerability—showing up as human, acknowledging challenges, and sharing real experiences. When leaders allow themselves to be seen as imperfect yet committed to growth, they inspire trust and connection within their teams.
Authenticity: The Foundation of a Thriving Workplace
Promoting authenticity at work isn’t just a leadership trend—it’s a fundamental shift toward more meaningful, engaged, and high-performing workplaces.
Leaders who foster trust, encourage open communication, and support personal growth create teams that thrive, innovate, and drive success.
How do you practice authenticity in your leadership journey?